I Am Alive (Sono Viva)

What’s it about?
I wondered what on earth I was letting myself in for when I read the synopsis which said this was a film about a man who agrees to guard a dead woman (Silvia) for one night in an isolated Villa. I was completely unprepared for such an emotionally intense film, where a man (Rocco) completely out of control of his life, finally finds purpose. There is immense chaos and resentment simmering below the surface of the Resti family which comes to a head immediately after Silvia’s death; Rocco takes control of the lives of three generations of the family and does his best to resolve their emotional scars. And in doing so you feel he finds the strength to fight back against all the misfortune life has been dealing him.

Highs n lows
Massimo De Santis gives a very strong performance as Rocco, carrying the entire film almost on his own, you immediately engage with his put upon character. He often manages to convey a multitude of thoughts and feelings in silence, gesture and body language alone sufficing to tell you this is a man at the end of his rope. Dark and moody cinematography mirrors the tone set by De Santis, which is lifted by an engaging script, always with the underlying threat of violence and a surprise at every turn. Very enjoyable.

Is it any good?
3 out of 5 (Italian with English subtitles)

BFI’s Back

BFIs 52nd London Film Festival hits cinema screens across London from 15 – 30 October. With a cracking range of movies from the controversial W to the much awaited Quantum of Solace. View the programme at www.bfi.org.uk/lff and check back here for sneak previews of some of the films to come over the next couple of weeks.

Bloggers 1 Rambo Nil

In a sudden about turn the fourth (why?!!) in the Rambo franchise to hit our screens soon has been renamed John Rambo after Stallone caved in to feedback from disgruntled web fans who basically thought the title Rambo: to Hell and Back, announced last week, was quite frankly 'naff'.

If web communities can influence Hollywood stars and film executives to change a film title how long before they start to influnence the concepts or script writing stages? I for one would like to see someone with the guts to give it a try.

Spiderman III

What’s it about?

Spidey returns battling his own demons, plus Junior Goblin, Venom and Sandman. Phew!

Highs n lows

This third incarnation of the Marvel comic doesn’t let us down. Action packed from the beginning and with its fair share of laughs, it’s that rare breed of sequel that’s actually as good as the first film. Some film snobs might complain that it relies too much on CGI but I say to get the breathtaking fight scenes and recreate that comic book feel the CGI adds rather than takes away. Despite the modern techno tricks with all the characters in up to date action gear (btw someone tell me how they manage to make geeky looking Tobey Magujire look so good in a Spidey suit??). This movie has a decidedly retro feel starting with the use of that old stalwart the trip wire to win a fight, and borrowing from eighties box office hits Greece and Back to the Future with a reincarnation of the hover board and Travolta’s dance moves.

Is it any good?

A bit too violent for very small fans, but otherwise a marvellous 4 out of 5.

Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason

What’s it about?
Bridget’s back. Gaaah!!

Book vs Film
Take a couple of seconds to take this a tiny bit seriously, and it could tell you a lot about modern society. With the constant obsessing about relationships, inability to trust or communicate, dump before you’re dumped mentality, and (Bridget Jones’ own theory) the replacement of faith with that of self help books … (Hmm okay maybe that’s a little bit far fetched).

Anyway, having put myself through the trauma of the first book, I thought I’d better have a go at the sequel just to see how far things could sink. Surprisingly enough, although you could never say the book was deep, I did like the way relationships were handled particularly the importance of friendships. The characters from the first book were developed further, making them slightly more interesting, but the plot, even wackier than the previous book, was too far fetched if written well enough for you to engage in the action. And yes I did laugh, once or twice.

The Film however, was crap; far too simplistic and sickly sentimental. As usual, the script writer took the big scenes from the book but changed who the action happened to so it all focused on Bridget, that plus the added ‘bonus’ of a wedding at the end was just too much.

Renee Zellweger’s Bridget became too dippy (okay we know she’s not mastermind, but still), and what was with that walk?? Overall I felt they were trying too hard for laughs and failed miserably. The whole thing really suffered from leaving out other characters’ relationships which are very simply explored in the book, but which provide some of the comic moments. The result, a claustrophobically dull ‘chick flick’. The one and only high point being Firth and Grant’s smacking fight in the fountain.

Is it any good?
Film a disappointing 1 out of 5, book a surprising 3 out of 5

Blood Diamond (15)

What’s it about?
A fisherman’s way of life and family is torn apart by the resistance group Revolutionary United Front (the RUF) who ransack his village and enslave him in the diamond mines. He finds and manages to hide a rare pink diamond, starting on a race to save his family, outwitting the government, RUF and diamond smugglers in the process.

Highs n lows
A harrowing insight into the little known world of diamond smuggling, and the high human toll that surrounds it. Set against the backdrop of civil war and chaos in 1990's Sierra Leone, it captures the reality of the country with a great deal of violence, but violence which is realistic portrayal of to what happened there. You come away with a real sense of why people want to escape the living hell of life in war torn countries. A council estate and minimum wage here is paradise in comparison.

Director Edward Zwick and writer Charles Leawitt have been bold enough to tackle (successfully) in graphic detail, the issue of the kidnap and indoctrination of child soldiers as an integral part of the story, which is played out through the uneasy triangle formed by 3 characters bound together by their own interests. Leonardo DiCaprio cultivates a convincing South African accent and puts in a strong performance as South African mercenary (Danny Archer). Djimon Hounsou is magnificent as the big hearted and not so simple Mende fisherman Solomon Vandy. Whilst the third major role is Maddy Bowen (Jennifer Connelly) an American journalist, Connelly is Marjorly upstaged by David Harewood who is evil personified in a small part as Captain Poison, responsible for indoctrinating child soldiers and running the diamond mines.

Ultimately this is a movie with a dual message. One about what is precious - Djimon Nounsou sums this up “Archer is pursuing a diamond, but Solomon’s diamond is his son.” The other about how our actions can fund war in other countries. We can all do something about this by thinking twice about where our jewellery may have come from, and only purchasing from retailers who can guarantee the diamonds they sell are conflict – free.

Is it any good?
4 out of 5 – riveting.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) is a self regulating agreement between diamond exporting nations “to monitor effectively the trade in rough diamonds in order to detect and to prevent trade in conflict diamonds.” It requires all diamonds to come with government certificates proving that the diamonds were mined in that country and are not benefiting rebel armies.

Bobby

What’s it about?
We follow the lives of guests and staff at the Ambassador Hotel on June 4th 1968, the day before Robert Kennedy was assassinated. The hopes of the time are thoughtfully reflected in the ups, downs and frustrations of their lives, which are devastated by Kennedy’s assassination. Providing a snapshot of this unique time in American history.

Highs n lows
The measure of a good film is being able to go in, sit down, and be hooked from the outset. Now I’m not the slowest one off the starting block, but I went to see this without knowing exactly what it was about, and struggled until about half way through before twigging that there wasn’t an overall story, just interwoven vignettes of people’s lives each throwing a bit of light on issues of the day. Had I read the synopsis in advance I might have formed a different view, but as it is, this is a poignant portrayal of life at a point in history, but not a must see.

Written and directed by Emilio Estevez, this is however worth a look just for the sheer number of stars in the cast, effortlessly portraying a vast mixture of characters with the minimum of lines, including amongst others: Christian Slater (bigoted boss Timmons) Laurence Fishburne (outspoken sous chef Edward) and Freddy Rodriguez (kitchen hand Jose) whose story shows what life was like struggling to make it in a country where open prejudice was rife.

The struggle between the sexes is shown by switchboard worker Angela who hopes her affair with boss Ebbers (William H Macy) will lead to a promotion; juxtaposed pointedly by the despair of older women Sharon Stone (Hotel Hairdresser) and Demi Moore (alcoholic singer Virginia Fallon) – watch out for their dressing room scene.

Whilst society’s respect for older people and disrespect for the Vietnam war are shown through the eyes of retired doormen (Anthony Hopkins and Harry Belafonte) and the young engaged couple (Elijah Wood and Lindsay Lohan) marrying to save him from going out to Vietnam.

Events are movingly tied together with actual audio footage of Kennedy’s speeches, many of which are, sadly, still relevant today.

“What I think is quite clear is that we can work together in the last analysis. And that what has been going on with the United States … – the divisions, the violence, the disenchantment with our society … whether it’s between blacks and whites, between the poor and the more affluent, or between age groups or over the war in Vietnam – that we can start to work together again. We are a great country, an unselfish country and a compassionate country. And I intend to make that my basis for running …”
- Robert F Kennedy’s final speech, June 5 1968

Is it any good?
3 out of 5

Dreamgirls (12A)

What’s it about?
Musical based on the Motown years, centring on the rise and rise of a trio of black female singers the Dreamettes who manage to ‘crossover’ from a black fan base to a wider market. The group freakily mirror The Supremes, though we are told that this is not based on them – see what you think.

Highs n lows
Wow! If I had to sum this up in one word that’s the one I’d use. Everything about this film is amazing. The costumes, the make up, the sets, everything was given that distinctive Motown touch. Matched by an all star cast including Beyonce Knowles (Deena Jones/any similarity to Diana Ross??), Danny Glover (Marty Madison), Jamie Foxx (Curtis Taylor Jr /possible similarity to Berry Gordy??), and Eddie Murphy who is pure class as Marvin Gaye type character James 'Thunder' Early (I didn’t realise he had such a singing voice on him!!) But the real revelation of this film was newcomer Jennifer Hudson (Effie White), what a voice! Just hearing her belt out those tunes will set the hairs on the back of your neck on end. The music is pure sixties R N B with which will have your toes tapping all night, to a racing script that deftly paints the greed and monopoly on the American music business at that time, and single mindedness that was needed to get to the top. It will keep you mesmerised.

Is it any good?
5 out of 5 – Out in the UK February 2007. Winner of Golden Globe Awards 2006 Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy.

Babel (15)

What’s it about?
A heart wrenching tale of four families whose lives are suddenly intertwined by a rifle. A bullet fired irresponsibly by a young boy unleashes a tragic chain of events that has a significant impact on all of their lives.

Highs n lows
Although a great idea and meticulously crafted, for me this was a very slow storyline that never really got going. The story is told in vignettes, starting from the present looping back through the past and finishing where you started. The script very cleverly and minutely links four families from very different walks of life: a Moroccan goat herd, an illegal immigrant to the USA, a Japanese businessman and an American couple. But to my mind it could have been cut by a good half hour, which would have sped up the action without losing any of the detail vital to the plot.

Unsurprisingly, having been filmed on location in Mexico Morocco, the US and Tokyo, it has a very authentic feel with extremely well-rounded characters that you can largely empathise with. Add to this impressive performances by Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett as the American couple Richard and Susan, whose relationship is shown in brief but telling scenes, dissolving from brittle animosity to touching and achingly close shots that grab you by the gut, in one of the most believable performances I’ve seen since Forest Whitaker’s portrayal of Idi Amin. Mix in the realism of a couple of non professional locals as the two Moroccan brothers and the determined and loving portrayal of Mexican nanny Amelia, played by Adriana Barraza, and you have a telling multicultural cocktail that makes a strong statement about the irresponsible use of guns, and the impact of the excesses of the US authorities. The only down side was the over long scenes involving the deaf mute Japanese girl (did someone got carried away with the cinematography there ??)

One quick health warning, I wouldn’t watch this if you’re feeling down, it’s likely to make you feel worse.

Is it any good?
3 out of 5. Note: some nudity. 2006 Golden Globe Awards Best Motion Picture - Drama

The Pursuit of Happyness (12A)

What’s it about?
Will Smith and his son Jaden Christopher Syre Smith bring to life the true story of Chris Gardener; a Salesman who overcomes serious odds including homelessness, jail time and a broken marriage, to train as a stockbroker whilst taking care of his 5 year old son.

Highs n lows
This is real inspiration for anyone who’s having a hard time of it, and is
as much a testament of the relationship that Will Smith has with his son, as of his acting abilities. The pair make the film, the other roles including Thandie Newton’s are really just bit parts. The relationship is as enthralling as the story which is the epitomy of the American Dream.

I saw this with two fellas and they both admitted to ‘slight moisture around the eyes’ at the end of this one. Dads out there this is one for you.

Quote to note:
“Don’t ever let somebody tell you you can’t do something … You got a dream, you gotta protect it … If you want something, go get it. Period.”

Is it any good?
4 and a half out of 5

Night at the Museum (PG)

What’s it about?
Dreamer Larry (Ben Stiller) needs a job, any job so that he can keep on having access to see his son. Only he didn’t bargain on duties as a security guard on the graveyard shift at the local Museum of Natural History, literally being so lively.

Highs n lows
This is a great kids movie, with laughs a plenty for little and big kids alike. Well-known comedians such as Ben stiller, Dick Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney, Robin Williams, Ricky Gervais both captivate and keep the action moving.

Scenes to watch out for:
*The monkey slapping scene (after the Bacardi ad you might think this one’s been done to death – think again)
*T-Rex playing fetch, you’ll never look at the skeleton in the Natural History Museum in the same way again

Is it any good?
4 out of 5 - out in time for Christmas, so take the kids they’ll love it.

Déjà vu (12A)

What’s it about?
ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms) agent investigates a terrorist bomb explosion using a 4 day window into the past.

Highs n lows
Some I know have been a bit critical about this new offering from Director Tony Scott, but you know what, I liked it. Okay you have to suspend belief, especially when it comes to the time travel part, but it’s a clever storyline following several time perspectives at once, with the action revealing just enough in each scene to keep you captivated. Denzel we know is used to playing cops, and doesn’t let us down as Carlin, and there’s enough explosives and special effects to keep the action junkies happy.

Is it plausible? Well, you’ve got to dream it first, ask Trekkie fans where the idea for the ipod came from …..

Is it any good?
3 out of 5. Out 15 Dec

The Birds and other stories – daphne du maurier

What’s it about?
Compendium of short stories starting with the Birds, the story which inspired Alfred Hitchcock’s chilling film of the same name. where after a harsh Winter birds start attacking humans. Other short stories are: Monte Verita, The Apple Tree, The Little Photographer, Kiss Me Again Stranger, and The Old Man.

Book vs film
A great idea and I can see why it appealed to Hitchcock. Being a short story there’s only so much that can go in, and in this case I’ve got to go for the film which is a lot meatier and scarier (although the characters aren’t the same). A classic Hitchcock horror, great in its day, but not of the ilk of other similar offerings like Psycho or Cujo for suspense.

As it’s only a few pages long I’d read the story out of interest. It has Du Maurier’s absorbingly evocative description and great character development. Combined with the slow but steady pace, the successful build up of tension climaxes in what for me was an unsatisfying ambiguous ending.

The rest of the stories are in a similar vein, a Twilight Zoneian mix of dark, supernatural tales. She is for good reason a classic writer and I wasn’t disappointed by the quality of the writing - highly atmospheric, and absorbing with well-rounded protagonists whose heads you literally climb into. However, as a group I ended up feeling the tales were a little too formulaic and I admit got a bit bored with the unfailingly steady pace of each story. I guess I’ve been spoilt with more modern writing which also relies on other techniques, like changes in pace and view point to keep a story moving.

For all that a quality read if you like something a little sinister.

Is it any good?
3 out of 5 for the book overall.

Hard Candy (18)

What’s it about?
School girl goes after internet paedophile to avenge a fellow student’s death.

Highs n lows
You’ll have to make an effort to stick with this one, it’s very slow to build to a climax and didn’t keep me gripped throughout. Told in short sections that take you from one unpalatable truth to another, climaxing in a hard line ending. This isn’t a blood soaked action packed movie, more disturbing suspense that relies on an intelligent script and character led development. If you are looking for a dose of gratuitous violence, forget it, but use your imagination and you get enough from the characters’ detailed descriptions of what they are doing to have you cringing without seeing so much as a knife.

Both lead characters Ellen Page (Haley) and Patrick Wilson (Jeff) come across as twisted as each other – no matter the rights and wrongs of their motives. Page is suitably sweet and chilling as the vigilante Hayley Stark, and Wilson is extremely convincing as her rational persuasive victim Jeff Kohlver. Your loyalties to the characters will be left in the balance until the end.

This will raise serious questions about the rights and wrongs of vigilanteism, corporal punishment, and underage sex. Personally I can’t condone the actions of either of the main characters, but watch it with friends – it’s sure to start a debate.

Is it any good?
3 out of 5 – moderate violence

The Prestige (12A)

What’s it about?
Do you believe in magic? You might not after watching this taut, moody drama. Two magicians fight it out to be the master of illusion, after one ‘accidentally’ causes the death of the other’s wife, sparking a bitter lifelong rivalry with tragic consequences.

Highs n lows
This dark look at the art of stage magic and the extremes of human failings, is made even moodier by the turn of the century London setting, and exceptionally believable performances by Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale as the obsessive tricksters Robert and Alfred. Michael Caine is excellent as the stalwart props man Cutter who tries to keep their rivalry at bay, whilst the plot leaves you guessing as it reels you in to its dark web and spits you out at the end stunned.

Perhaps deliberately like life, the ending is quite unsatisfying. I don’t like to think I’ve bought into the Hollywood practice of neat happy endings, but this felt too tragic and unfair for me – but then maybe that’s because I doubt I’d be prepared to pay that kind of price for the Prestige…

Is it any good?
3 out of 5

Casino Royale (12A)

What’s it about?
007 takes on the head of a money laundering operation that funds terrorist organisations.

Highs n lows
I used to love James Bond movies when I was a kid, until the clichéd male chauvinism began to grate just too much. So I wasn’t overly enthusiastic at the thought of yet another remake of the old formula – particularly at 2 and a half hours worth! So I was hugely surprised by how good this was. Despite the fact that this is based on Ian Fleming’s first bond novel from 1953, this is James Bond for the Noughties. Taking us back 20 odd episodes to Bond’s early career, Daniel Craig’s 007 is raw, emotionally complex, dare I say it almost ‘new man’. Ladies be prepared for a nice eyeful when he flashes the flesh, fellas whilst the ladies aren’t typically Voguesque, they are definitely sexy (but clothed!)

I won’t give the plot away but this has got more twists and turns in it than a rattlesnake. Watch out for the amazing Parkour (Free Running) chase at the start with non other than Sebastien Foucan co-creator of the discipline. Add to that, a few well-placed twists on Bond clichés, a brilliant performance from Dame Judi Dench in her 5th incarnation as M, and you’ve got a slick, fast paced and action packed film to be shaken by.

Is it any good?
4 out of 5 – the 2 and a half hours will fly by!

Falling (Fallen)

What’s it about?
5 women meet up at an old teacher’s funeral, and proceed to fiercely relive their youth before, with the help of a lot of alcohol and a little tiredness, secrets old and new start to slip out.

Highs n lows
A story of shattered dreams and reawakened friendships this is a thorough fly on the wall account of a moment in these women’s lives. Effectively exposing the complexity of the lives that women live today, I was a disappointed by the lack of a sense of closure in this detailed character expose. I had high hopes of something uplifting, moving or even funny, but other than rekindling their friendships and exposing a few untruths there’s no real plot to this 88 minute showcase.

Is it any good?
3 out of 5 – Austrian film, in German with English subtitles.

Sixty Six

What’s it about?
Bernie’s coming up to his Bar Mitzvah, the moment when suddenly he moves from ignored geek to the centre of attention – that is until he finds out that England is playing in the World Cup final that same day.

Highs n lows
Premiered as part of this year’s UK Jewish film festival this is a poignant and very realistic portrayal of sixties England. Footy fans will love the original footage of the England games, and I know there’s plenty of in jokes – which as a non Jew passed me by. Helena Bonham Carter and Eddie Marsan form part of the extended cast of family and friends representing the same odd, annoying but also curiously loved family members which many of us will (probably) soon be facing around the Christmas dinner table.

Is it any good?
3 out of 5 - A nostalgic but comic tale of a boy coming to terms with what it is to be a man – accepting others and oneself for who they are and loving them just the same. Based on the real life experience of director Paul Weiland.

Venus

What’s it about?
Jodie Whitaker and Peter O’Toole steal the show in this Britflik about the sometimes uncomfortably close relationship that a fading actor develops with the young niece of his best friend Ian (Leslie Phillips).

Highs n lows
Whitaker is perfect as the naïve, self-centred and headstrong teen, who is slowly charmed by O’Toole’s interest in her and kindness. Her character matures naturally as their relationship goes from a quid pro quo to genuine affection which sees her finally putting someone else before herself and learning to deal with the consequences of her actions.

O’Toole and Phillips play off each other brilliantly as two old codgers who refuse to let age beat them – sucking the last out of life in the same way as the pills they swallow like sweets, swearing for England and getting one last dance out of life before checking out time.

Is it any good?
4 out of 5 – engaging tragi-comic look at growing up and aging. Word to the wise, the film contains mild sexual scenes which some might find uncomfortable.

Princess

What’s it about?
Director Anders Morgenthaler transfixes us with a tale of naivety, religion, revenge and the porn industry. Orphaned as a teenager Christina is inadvertently dragged into the porn film industry by her boyfriend Charlie and Brother August. After her taste of ‘fame’ as the Princess, August can’t persuade her to stop. Transfixed by guilt and growing anger after her death, he starts on a terrible campaign to rid the world of the Princess materials and get revenge for his young niece Mia.

Highs n lows
This is an unusual and highly charged look into the world of pornography, and the impact it might have on the families of porn stars. In an unusual and successful mixing of two media, the characters’ back stories are told using grainy film footage, whilst current events unfold in anime inspired animation which somehow serves to lesson the impact of both the violence and evidence of child abuse shown - although it is no less shocking. Anime fans will want to know that the animation is made the most of in the violent scenes, which probably would have been too much to take had they been in real life footage, particularly as August is meant to be a priest.

Asked to say a few words before the start of the film Morgenthaler, said he wanted to make “a fairytale on top of social realism.” He’s definitely succeeded – you’ll need to see the film to understand what he means.

Is it any good?
4 out of 5. No matter what your views on the issues explored by this film, you’ll find it both gripping, shocking, and a real talking point. In Danish with English subtitles.